Summer Fun Starts With Being “Water Smart”!

Written by Volunteer Harriet Vanderbilt

Summertime at the swim pool, the lake or the beach brings families many wonderful memories but without the proper safety tips, it can sometimes turn a fun day into tragedy.

In the Unites States, children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates of any other age group.  Learning water basics and learning how to detect potential danger helps keep everyone safe.

Meet Longfellow the Whale!  Longfellow helps kids learn to “Do your part, be water smart!”  This innovative and interactive children’s water safety program is offered at no charge courtesy of the Cascades Region Red Cross.  This WHALE Tales program teaches children about being safer in and around the water with videos, posters and numerous lesson plans that are enjoyable while being educational. 

The name WHALE Tales originated as a tribute to Commodore Wilbert E. Longfellow who, in 1914, started the Red Cross Lifesaving Corps.  Commodore Longfellow’s philosophy was to “entertain the public hugely while educating them gently”.  This program does just that!

Anyone can teach WHALE Tales.   No certification is required.  Downloading or streaming leader’s guides and teaching material gives teachers and adult participants a robust collection of water safety resources to print and share. These class programs are offered by Swim by the American Red Cross, sponsored by the ZAC Foundation. Certified swim lessons that are offered in many locations.  Classes are available for infants, children, teens, and adults.   Check the Red Cross website for these swim pools. 

The program has 3 sections.  Section one deals with being water smart-the basics.  It teaches young students how to be water smart near any body of water.  Section two goes into more detail about water knowledge and discusses being wise around water at home, at a pool or park, and in open water areas such as the ocean and rivers.  Learning about how to play it safe in the waves, in the currant and in the tidal changes is also discussed.

Section 3 arms children with the knowledge to handle water safely in an emergency.  Staying afloat in challenging waters, safely saving a fellow swimmer in destress, and learning to stay calm and to think clearly are crucial skills for children to learn.  Armed with the knowledge gained from WHALE Tales, young swimmers will confidently enjoy the fun to be had on our beautiful waterways!

WHALE Tales teaching tools are broad in scope.  Posters and stickers are available.  Numerous links are easy to access via the comprehensive website.  The Red Cross has a WHALE Tales app that will take users to a host of educational and enjoyable items adults, as well as children, will love.  These classes, partnered with swim lessons, will arm all participants with knowledge that will keep them safe around water year-around.

Please go to http://www.redcross.org/watersafety for swim program information and complete details on WHALE Tales.   Do your part!  Be “water smart”.